Sunny Sawtell

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"Welcome to sunny sawtell" reads the sign as you come in to the cute seaside town. Ironically it was the first cloudy day we have had so far on the trip. Though, as the sign promised, the afternoon did clear up -- while the girls happily napped and napped and napped! This trip has seen a whole lot of firsts in the girls' development: they have learnt to touch their head, clap their hands and today they had their first ever 3 hour day time nap. They must have been worn out by their morning at Boambee creek where, I am delighted to announce, they finally enjoyed themselves in the water. Perhaps they will be beach babes after all. The creek is another beautiful salt estuary which is part of a reserve and absolutely perfect for children. Plus it is only a couple of kms up the road from where we are staying, which made it a very achievable first day adventure.

We have traded in our quiet bush setting in South West Rocks for a busyish main road but the beach is just across the road meaning we can take turns in quick solo beach trips while one of us stays with the girls. It is great doing things with the girls, but it is also great to just 'go' and not have to bring nappies, spare clothes, snacks etc etc. So, traffic noise aside, this is a perfect spot. We are also a very short drive from the main street which features boutique shops and good restaurants and cafes. We are planning to treat ourselves to a breakfast out one morning... maybe.

Our drive here went well -- we took a very long route via Ngaamba national park (inland from South West Rocks) where we stopped for a long lunch and stroll through the bush. It didn't quite take us 4 hours to do 100kms but the real estate let us check in half an hour early.

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Photos

behind the wheel
Ameya navigates and Leila takes the wheel...

go goanna go
The girls loved watching these guys slither up the tree at our lunch stop in Ngaamba national park

rusty roots
This old car was on the side of the road with trees growing our of it... on the way out to Ngaamda national park

arriving
Arriving at our cabin in Sawtell

helping
Leila and Ameya help put their portacots together

still helping
They also love helping us 'sort' their clothes

beaching
beaching it up at boambee creek

heads together
The girls absolutely love giving each other 'head cuddles'

Comments

[Arthur McConnachie]

big girls now
Glad to see the girls are so helpful now, driving, navigating and putting their own cots up. Holiday looks like it's doing you all good. Those goannas are really something aren't they?

[Jono Dahna]

goannas
aye the goannas were very cool. We had never seen one with markings like the one on the bottom. Have you?